I also know that Nintendo is actively meeting with independent developers to find new partners. Some of that is around publishing indie games, which Nintendo does from time-to-time, but it’s also seeking studios that could work on some of its IP. Nintendo regularly works with third-party teams, including Bandai Namco, Team Ninja, Platinum Games, MercurySteam, WayForward and Grezzo. But the company is looking to add to that roster, and I know of three studios that are deep in conversation around making games based on Nintendo brands.
Actual Source: Christopher Dring at Gameindustry.biz: https://www.gamesindustry.biz/how-can-nintendo-switch-2-surpass-its-predecessor-opinion
It would be nice to have Nintendo farm out some of its IP to third party devs. It will mean more games in the major (and especially secondary) series. It will be nice to see a new developers versions of iconic series.
The only risk is that other studios are not going to meet Nintendo’s level of quality, hurting the brand, but past history suggests that that will not occur.
I do hope that third party studios are not just getting a license but also access to design docs, so they can match the feel of other games. For example, Mario platformers have very good physics that many indie games cannot match. It would be great if anyone else making a Mario game can match that same feel.
As you can see, “Nintendo regularly works with third-party teams, including Bandai Namco, Team Ninja, Platinum Games, MercurySteam, WayForward and Grezzo.”, it’s just they are looking for more third parties.
Actually, if you actually look, you will be surprised how many big games are actually made by third party. Latest example, Metroid Dread, one of the most polished game was developed by Mercury System. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is by Bandai Namco and so on.
I don’t see a world where they outsource Mario.
Kirby? Yeah. Metroid? Yeah. Mario feature in a third party game? Already happening.
But no way a fully fledged mainline Mario related game gets outsourced. That little bastard is the only reason I have any Nintendo consoles, he is too valuable.